The heating elements in air fryers are important for them to operate. They transform electrical energy from the power supply into heat energy for cooking food. They are frequently located on the top, above the food compartment, and are accompanied by a high-speed fan. Air fryers have a high-quality element that lasts a long time. Nonetheless, frequent use and sloppy maintenance can cause the heating element to fail.

But what can you do if your air fryer’s heating element fails? If your heating element is not working, it could be due to a lack of electric current. However, if there is no problem with the electricity, the issue could be with the heating element itself. It could be burned or broken. In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know, including how to check heating element in air fryer.

What Is The Heating Element In An Air Fryer?

Before I start explaining how to check heating element in air fryer and answer all frequently asked questions, it is important that I explain what the heating element means.

An air fryer’s heating element is a component that radiates hot air circulated by the fan. It is made up of coils that heat up, and the entire component is known as a heating element. It is usually located above the double-walled food chamber.

The coil heats up and emits hot air from the top emitted by the heating element. The hot air inside the air fryer is then circulated by a large fan, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy food. 

An air fryer’s heating element doesn’t have to be cleaned on a regular basis, but it can accumulate fat and food over time. Take a shot at cleaning the inside of your air fryer sometimes. Take a rag and dampen it with warm, soapy water after waiting until the heating element is totally cool.

How To Check Heating Element In Air Fryer?

If you’re wondering how to check the heating element in an air fryer, you’ve come to the right place. The heating coils in most air fryers are located on the top of the double-walled food chamber.

If you want to check the heating element in your air fryer, you need to remove the basket and turn the appliance upside down to gain access to that area. It will allow you to see the heating element’s coils.

After checking everything you’ve already checked, you can confirm this by turning on the air fryer. The heating element is probably functioning if the interior of the basket becomes warm; otherwise, it might be damaged.

Air Fryer Heating Element Not Working? [How To Fix]

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common problems with an air fryer heating element and what you can do to get it working again.

1. Basket or Lid Not Closed Properly

Like other modern appliances, air fryers have all of the necessary safety features. One such safety measure is to turn off the air fryer if the basket or lid is not closed correctly. If you recently cooked food in your air fryer or removed the basket for cleaning, you may have left it open while reinstalling it carelessly. It would explain why your heating element is not functioning properly. Make sure that everything fits snugly inside the air fryer. I always push it twice to ensure that my air fryer basket fits into the groove.

2. Improper Maintenance/Cleaning 

The heating element and fan of the air fryer are housed in a separate chamber above the food compartment. The heating element collects grease splatters and food chunks when the air fryer is turned on. Using your air fryer without wiping the grease and food residues from the heating element causes a thick film of grease, dirt, and grime to form on its surface.

As a result, your air fryer may emit loud noises, or the heating element may fail to function. It is recommended that you clean the heating element of your air fryer after each use. Wipe down the entire heating coil and the surrounding area with a damp towel to ensure that dirt and food chunks do not render your air fryer heating element inoperable.

3. Thermal Sensor Issue

The thermal sensor regulates the unit’s temperature and assists the heating element in reaching the required cooking temperature. If your temperature sensor fails, your heating element will be unable to reach the desired temperature. You may not be able to identify a faulty thermal sensor until you have your air fryer checked by a professional. As a result, the only option is to contact customer service.

4. Heating Element is Damaged or Broken

If the power cord, electrical connection, or power plug are all fine, the problem is with the heating element itself. Due to repeated use and insufficient maintenance, the heating element may be completely broken or burned. You can no longer ignore the obvious. It’s time to swap out the faulty heating element for a new one.

An Air fryer’s heating element or coil can be replaced at home. However, if you are unfamiliar with the mechanics of an air fryer, it is best to contact the manufacturer and have it replaced. Otherwise, if you want to avoid the hassle of returning the unit to the company, search “air fryer repair near me” online and call a repairman to come to your home.

Can You Remove The Heating Element From Air Fryer?

Cleaning the heating element is not required when you clean your air fryer. It can, however, accumulate dirt, grease, and debris over time. In that case, you will need to clean the Air fryer parts thoroughly. So, can you remove the heating element from your air fryer when cleaning it?

Yes. The heating element in your air fryer can be removed. All you need to do is to flip your air fryer over and place your hand on top of the upper wall. You can easily remove the heating element from there and do whatever you want to do (maybe to replace, repair, or clean it).

An appliance that cooks food fast and with little to no oil is an air fryer. On top of the appliance, usually, are the heating elements and a sizable fan. It quickly preheats and gets to work cooking food.

Can You Replace The Heating Element In An Air Fryer?

A heating element that is broken or has degraded could be an issue you’ll experience with your air fryer. The heating element is probably functioning if the interior of the basket becomes warm; otherwise, it might be damaged. So, can you replace the heating element in an air fryer?

Yes! An air fryer’s heating element can be replaced. Most of the time, replacing the element just involves taking out the old one and replacing it with a new one.

The heating element in your air fryer produces the hot air required to cook the food. However, the part may fail due to excessive use and require replacement over time. The replacement of an air fryer heating element is relatively simple; additionally, it is much less expensive to replace the part rather than repair or purchase a new air fryer for your kitchen.

How Do I Replace The Heating Element In My Air Fryer?

If you’re wondering how you go about replacing the heating element in your air fryer, you need to know that it is a simple task that you can complete on your own. 

The only thing you must consider first is the type of heat element used in your machine. I recommend reading the air fryer user manual as they usually give the details of each component. With the manual, you will see the parts and part numbers, so you’ll know the exact heating element to buy.

Your air fryer’s element is at the top of the frying chamber. Make sure it isn’t operating, then completely unplug the air fryer and make sure no electricity is being supplied to it. Then, turn the appliances upside down to see the heating element. After that, reach for it, remove the incorrect part, and replace it in the slot.

Best Air Fryer

1. Instant Pot Vortex Plus ClearCook

Since we began testing air fryers from Instant, the same company that makes Instant Pot multi-cookers, they have been on our list of best air fryers. The ones we tested, including this one, are simple to program and efficient. This one is notable for its see-through window design, allowing you to peer inside without pulling out the basket. It also has a light that can be turned on manually or automatically before the timer expires.

This air fryer has a built-in preheat function that takes about 3 1/2 minutes to reach 400°F and chirps when it’s ready to cook. If you want to put your food in from the beginning and walk away, you don’t have to press Start again after it preheats. It will also notify you halfway through cooking if you need to shake or turn the food. The digital control panel responds quickly, and the knob lets you quickly program the temperature and time. It has six pre-programmed cooking modes with recommended (but adjustable) temperatures and times, including Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat, Broil, and Dehydrate.

Pros:

• Preheat function built-in 
• Simple to clean
• Simple to use

Cons:

• When the basket is turned upside down, the tray falls out; serve with silicone-tipped tongs.

2. Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker & Air Fryer

One of the most recent air fryers we’ve tested is the Ninja Speedi Rapid Cooker and Air Fryer. While it looks and feels different from most air fryers on the market, it’s worth making room for on your counter. The 12-in-1 appliance not only air fries well and quickly, but it can also be used to sear, sauté, bake, roast, broil, steam, slow cook, proof, cook sous vide, and even dehydrate. It can also steam and bake/air fry simultaneously for the juiciest and most flavorful results.

One of its most impressive capabilities is cooking quick one-pot meals by cooking the base – such as pasta, rice, or quinoa – on the bottom level of the square basket and the toppings – such as chicken, shrimp, or meatballs – on the top level. It comes with only the included perforated tray, used for air frying and steaming in the lower position and crisping/broiling in the upper position. Like the other Ninja air fryers, the tray and six-quart basket are ceramic coated and easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. The Speedi was easy to program, and we liked the clear control panel, and the user guide is packed with helpful instructions, tips, and colorful recipes.

Pros:

• Is it possible to air fry and cook with steam
• Fast and powerful
• Simple to use

Cons:

• Bulky

Conclusion

A faulty cable, a damaged fuse or power outlet, or a broken heating element can disrupt the normal operation of your air fryer’s heating element. Sometimes, you can troubleshoot an air fryer heating element at home. However, repairing an air fryer heating element at home necessitates knowledge of electrical appliance mechanics. However, if you have never done anything like this, it is best to leave it to the professionals.